Meaningful Moments and 2025 Reflections
I am grateful to be wrapping up 2025 with a beautiful satin bow. There were many “highs,” including welcoming my daughter-in-law, Sally, into the family, and soon to welcome Jonathan and Sally’s baby to the world in a couple of weeks. My goddaughter, Mary, married the love of her life, Scott. Mary’s mother, Jeanne, my truest friend, and I went on our annual birthday adventure, and my two daughters, Dana and Emily Rose, created a magical holiday trip in November for me that I will never forget. I’ve shared a thousand laughs with my son-in-law Will, marveled at watching my 11-year-old granddaughter blossom into a wonderful young lady with a talent for sports like her father, my son-in-law John, and waiting to welcome my husband’s daughter Ashley’s baby, in April, anxiously awaiting tiny footsteps in every house.
There were also some hard times. I lost my mother at the beginning of this year, between my daughter’s wedding in December and my son’s wedding in January. I know she was with us in spirit. Although my mother’s passing was very sad, there was hope and healing in a long goodbye. I will always be grateful. I also had to say goodbye to my treasured fur angel, Marty. I miss him every single minute of every single day. I adopted Wilson, a spry little maltipoo/shih tzu/Tasmanian devil rescue, shortly before I lost Marty, and I can’t help but think Marty knew I would soon need someone to squeeze and love when he was no longer here on earth.
I experienced new holiday traditions such as taking a trip to Europe in the middle of Thanksgiving with my daughters, going to see the gorillas at the zoo on Christmas day with my husband, and then eating Chinese food after, rather than cooking an elaborate holiday meal, as I have always done in the past. The one constant is Christmas Eve, where we spend time as a family, playing games, exchanging gifts, and remembering what is truly important, and acknowledging what is not necessary any longer. Life is about changes, and this year there were many.
One of my goals in 2025 was to connect with a few local nonprofits, both as a trainer and also as a volunteer, to be part of the continued effort to help the community. I was honored to work with Goodwill San Antonio, Assistance League San Antonio, Connections New Braunfels, and Better ATX. As a former fundraiser for a children’s shelter, working with abused and abandoned children, I know firsthand the benefits that non-profits offer the community and the hard work that goes into serving those in need. I will continue this goal into 2026, and encourage you to do the same.
I would like to share a journaling exercise that you may find helpful and healing. My longtime friend and loyal right arm of my business, Laura, encouraged me to set aside a few quiet moments with a notebook and a cup of tea to answer the five prompts you’ll see below. These are not original to me, but I am sharing because I think they’ll be a gift to you, too.
Dedicate a half page (or full page) for each of the following, and let your pen flow.
1. Some of my best moments and memories in 2025 include…
2. The biggest lessons I’ve learned this year include…
3. I’d like to continue doing…
4. I’d like to stop doing…
5. The following people/things made the year better for me…
Soon on the blog, we’ll share encouraging thoughts for setting 2026 intentions. I’m excited to hear from you, sharing your own prompts, and what is on your 2026 list. Laura and I wish you an abundant, joyful, and intentional 2026 New Year.
Warmly,
Diane
